A new study by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists has determined that as forests age, their ability to grow decreases due to reduced carbon dioxide uptake and respiration. This finding suggests the future growth of US forests will decline, potentially impacting the country's role as a carbon sink.
Researchers found that sensory cells use protons to transmit information on head orientation relative to gravity, providing a long-lasting and energy-efficient way to sense low-frequency stimuli. This nonquantal transmission is unusual and could explain how the inner ear senses tonic signals like gravity in a robust manner.
The Frank R. Lillie Research Innovation Awards will fund two years of research for $125,000 per award, supporting novel collaborative projects at the Marine Biological Laboratory that aim to transform our understanding of fundamental biological processes and human health.
Scientists studying jellyfish robots found common bending rules for wings, fins, and other propulsors across various animal species. These rules improve propulsion efficiency by increasing thrust.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will host a panel discussion on climate change research challenges, led by atmospheric scientist Donald J. Wuebbles. The session will explore issues such as downscaling predictions, reliably predicting extreme weather events, and adapting to climate change impacts.
Scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory found that different sponge species have unique microbiomes that are specific to their host species. The study used ultra-deep DNA sequencing technology to analyze the microbiomes of seven sponge species from various habitats.
The Marine Biological Laboratory will conduct research on migratory waterbirds and their habitats as part of a $7 million grant. The study aims to help resource managers address the impacts of sea-level rise and coastal flooding.
Researchers found that environmental shock can unmask cryptic genetic variations in animals, leading to adaptive advantages. The study on blind cavefish suggests an alternative mechanism of evolution distinct from natural selection and spontaneous mutations.
Researchers discover that desert plants use hydraulic lift to acquire nutrients in dry conditions, supporting plant productivity and seed set. The system relies on tiny amounts of water released from plant roots into dry soil at night.
A new MBL zebrafish study elucidates the importance of calcium signaling in wound healing by identifying key membrane proteins that trigger cellular migration. The research reveals a graded calcium signal surrounding wounds, guiding skin cells to migrate toward the center and regenerate new skin.
The rotifer genome shows evidence of gene conversion and horizontal gene transfer, which help maintain healthy genes and viable lineages. This reproductive strategy, absent in most animals, may mimic some aspects of sex and provide a layer of protection from mutations.
A recent study by MBL researchers has identified ZIP12 as a critical transporter for zinc uptake in the brain, essential for embryonic development. Impaired zinc uptake leads to neuronal growth impairment, fatal to developing embryos. The discovery highlights the importance of periconceptional and prenatal nutrition for promoting healt...
A new study in the Amazon finds that deep, permeable soils can act as a natural buffer against the negative impacts of crop fertilizer on nearby streams. The research suggests that these soils can absorb excess nutrients and reduce pollution, but warns that changes in land use may lead to increased nutrient runoff in the future.
Scientists at MBL have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, in the sea lamprey genome. The discovery will accelerate research on spinal cord injury recovery, as lampreys can regenerate their nervous system after injury.
The symposium explores the leading edge of interdisciplinary collaboration in microscopy, featuring experts who are developing new techniques to visualize life processes at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. The goal is to advance the visualization of life from the scale of a single molecule to the whole organism., Research...
Dr. Bruce J. Peterson has made seminal contributions in oceanography, limnology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and hydrology through his use of new methods and scientific publications. His research on the freshwater cycle of the Arctic has made fundamental advances in understanding land-ocean interactions.
Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that lancelets have melanopsin-producing cells, which are involved in non-visual light-dependent functions. Studying these cells provides insight into the evolutionary history of circadian receptors and their role in regulating biological clocks.
Researchers found that marine bacteria prefer specific temperatures, nutrients, light, and salinity levels, contradicting the 'everything is everywhere' hypothesis. The discovery suggests dispersal limitation plays a crucial role in shaping bacterial distributions.
The MBL physiology course fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation among students, leading to the generation of 23 research papers and 59 meeting abstracts. The course's unique approach combines cell biology and physical sciences, and encourages students to think beyond their comfort zones.
A long-term study reveals that excessive nutrients can cause salt-marsh loss, leading to habitat destruction for fish and wildlife. The research highlights the need for better waste management practices to protect these critical coastal ecosystems.
Researchers found that nerves in squid skin control the animal's spectrum of shimmering hues, as well as their speed of change, creating spectacular optical illusions. The study provides evidence for neural control of iridescence in an invertebrate species.
Researchers will study Axial Seamount to understand subseafloor microbial processes, carbon cycle, and virus-microbe interactions. They aim to 'break open the black box' of deep-sea microbiology.
The Human Microbiome Project's findings reveal a complex network of microbial diversity, with an estimated 10,000 bacterial species in the human microbiome. The study challenges traditional health concepts by showing that there is not just one way to be healthy, but rather a range of 'just fine' communities.
A study led by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to nutrient deficiencies in breast milk and growth deficits in offspring. The researchers also discovered that exposure to arsenic increases the risk of fatty liver disease.
Scientists have found highly similar signaling centers in the acorn worm that direct the formation of its embryonic body plan. This discovery provides unexpected insight into the evolution of vertebrate development and genetics, revealing complex mechanisms for establishing body plans in distant relatives.
Researchers have discovered the unique walking mechanism of dynein, a critical motor protein in every cell. The 'drunken sailor' gait allows the protein to navigate obstacles while performing transport functions, potentially shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases.
This special issue of the Biological Bulletin explores various regenerative processes in animals, shedding light on mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Researchers studied regeneration in sea lampreys, snails, and other animals to gain insights into their gene regulatory networks.
A massive Arctic wildfire released 20 times more carbon to the atmosphere than undisturbed tundra, accelerating the transformation of tundra ecosystems. The impacts could have profound implications on atmospheric carbon and climate as the Arctic landscape warms and shrubs appear in place of grasses and mosses.
Scientists at MBL are investigating how jellies interact with their surroundings, the impact of the Gulf oil spill on animal development, and how fish process sound. Researchers are using a new underwater video camera system to study jelly behavior, while also exploring the potential health effects of the oil spill.
A MBL study found that warming causes more nitrogen to become available to trees, allowing them to grow faster and store more carbon. This is a positive effect on carbon storage, but the overall impact of global warming on forest ecosystems will also depend on other factors such as water availability and atmospheric CO2 concentration
A team from MBL and West Point used hyperspectral imaging to model cuttlefish camouflage in the eyes of fish predators, revealing that brightness is more important than color. This study provides strong evidence that cuttlefish can produce effective camouflage despite lacking color vision.
A team of scientists, led by Roger Hanlon and Naomi Halas, aims to emulate the camouflage ability of squid, octopus, and cuttlefish in high-tech materials. They will explore new avenues of vision research, including distributed light sensing throughout the skin.
A new microscopy technique developed at MBL allows scientists to see the spatial arrangement of up to 28 differently labeled microbes in a single field of view. This technique, called CLASI-FISH, reveals the spatial structure of microbial communities and enables faster and more accurate diagnosis of microbes.
Scientists have identified a protein pheromone produced by female squid that triggers aggression in male squid, with similarities to beta-microseminoproteins found in humans. The discovery sheds light on complex mating and egg-laying processes in squid.
The first crustacean genome has been sequenced, providing insights into the impact of environmental pollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Daphnia pulex, a tiny water flea, serves as an indicator species for detecting toxins and pollutants in the environment.
Researchers suggest molecular structures involving transition metals could catalyze the synthesis of basic biochemicals, leading to the origin of life. The model proposes that simple transition metal-ligand complexes in hydrothermal ocean vents catalyzed reactions that gave rise to more complex molecules.
A recent study by Brown-MBL researchers estimates that reducing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon state could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that achieving a goal of 89% reduction in deforestation rates by 2020 would result in lower net emissions, with up to 6.3 billion metric tons of CO...
Researchers have confirmed the nucleolinus's role in cell division by associating it with structures required for separation of chromosomes. The discovery provides insight into recent studies suggesting a critical role for the nucleolus in cell cycle regulation.
Scientists propose a multi-platform approach using automated technologies like glider robots and sensors on ships of opportunity to observe the polar oceans. This could help reduce uncertainty about the effects of warming on marine ecosystems worldwide.
Atlantic longarm octopuses have evolved expert camouflage capabilities, including mimicking the appearance and swimming speed of peacock flounders. Researchers observed uncanny similarities in coloration, form, and movement between the two species, demonstrating an unusual form of disruptive camouflage.
Researchers have found that hair cells in the inner ear amplify even the faintest sounds, a phenomenon also observed in the vestibular system. This discovery sheds light on how our brains interpret head movements and balance, revealing a shared amplification mechanism between auditory and vestibular systems.
A new study finds that a global biofuels program could result in twice as much carbon loss from displaced food crops and pastures as the CO2 emissions from land dedicated to biofuels production. Increased fertilizer use for biofuels production also causes significant nitrous oxide emissions, potentially surpassing CO2 emissions by 2100.
An international team of top climate scientists has found a critical error in the carbon accounting method used to measure compliance with carbon limits. The flaw could create strong economic incentives for large-scale land conversion, which would exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that cells use controlled dissolution and condensation to localize subcellular structures called P granules. These liquid droplets transition between dissolved and condensed states, eventually forming germ cells in newly fertilized embryos.
A study by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists found that common levels of arsenic exposure can compromise the immune response to influenza A (H1N1) infection. Arsenic exposure, even at low levels, disrupts both the innate and endocrine systems, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
Gary Borisy, MBL director and CEO, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his distinguished contributions to cell biology. He is a pioneer in the field, having discovered protein tubulin and provided insights into chromosome movement, cell motility, and microtubule dynamics.
Tiny, toxic protein particles severely disrupt neurotransmission and inhibit delivery of key proteins in Alzheimer's disease. The particles inhibit neurons from communicating with each other and with other target cells in the body.
Researchers have identified three broad classes of camouflage body patterns in animals, including uniform, mottled, and disruptive coloration. These patterns are used by cephalopods to dynamically produce a wide range of visual disguises, making them one of the most changeable animal groups on earth.
A study found that antibiotic treatment can cause pervasive and persistent changes to the human gut microbiota, affecting the balance of bacteria in the gut. The researchers identified over 3,300 different types of bacteria in the human distal gut and found that antibiotic treatment influenced the abundance of about a third of those taxa.
A group of scientists is advocating for science-based policy in the emerging global biofuels industry to avoid costly mistakes and environmental regrets. Sustainable practices are crucial to mitigate problems associated with agriculture, including soil erosion and depletion, nitrogen fertilizer pollution, and biodiversity decline.